Chickies Rock Park - Marietta, PA - Featuring an Outcropping of Quartzite Rock

Chickies Rock Park is located between the boroughs of Marietta and Columbia in Pennsylvania, and it is the second largest park in Lancaster County. Chickies Rock Park gets its name from the word "chiquesalunga,'' which is a Native American word that means "place of the crayfish.'' The park includes Donegal Creek, Chiques Creek, and selected portions of the Susquehanna River. Chickies Rock Park is located on Route 44 North in Marietta.

The most well-known feature of the park is a large outcropping of quartzite rock. This massive outcropping of rock, which is named Chickies Rock, rises 200 feet above the river below. The view from Chickies Rock offers visitors the opportunity to see farmlands in Lancaster County, the borough of Marietta, and parts of York County as well.

In addition to providing a scenic view, Chickies Rock Park is home to several historical treasures. The area that the park is in once had seven iron furnaces, a canal, rolling mills, and a local trolley line. Remnants of the canal walls and parts of several of the furnaces can still be seen. Even the grades of the trolley line are still visible. Hiking trails are also available.

The park's southwest edge has an area called Breezyview. Breezyview offers a spectacular view of the Susquehanna River and a panoramic view of Chickies Rock. There is a gazebo located near the Breezyview area. The gazebo is used for special occasions and weddings. The fee for using the gazebo is $71 for the first two hours. Each additional hour is $11.

The northwest section of Chickies Rock Park is home to a day-use area. The day-use area is located near Furnace Road and provides visitors with open play areas. In addition, there is a boat launch point near the day-use area that gives visitors boating access to the Susquehanna River. The east side of Route 441 is home to other open play areas, swings, and a group pavilion. From this section, visitors have easy access to both Donegal Creek and Chiques Creek. Donegal Creek is a managed fly-fishing-only area for trout.

Chickies Rock Park offers groups the option of pavilion rental. Pavilion rental rates are $38 for public/service groups Monday through Thursday and $65 on holidays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The rental rate for private groups is $44 Monday through Thursday and $72 on holidays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Rock climbing opportunities are available at Chickies Rock. Chickies Rock is one of the more accessible rock climbing spots in central Pennsylvania. Climbers need to watch out for falling rocks. Parking is available near the top of Chickies Rock and also towards the bottom of the rock formation. It is recommended that climbers that top rope park in the parking area near the top and those that lead park in the parking area near the bottom. Chickies Rock features bouldering and the following six other climbing sections: The Block, Southern Slab, Northwest Buttress, Trail Valley, the Main Wall, and the Cave Area.

Chickies Rock Park's regular hours of operation are from dawn to dusk. The park is open year round. Currently, there is no admission fee at the park. Additional information about Chickies Rock Park can be obtained by calling 717-299-8215.